Item Details

Width:
95 1/2 Inches

Height:
30 1/2 Inches

Depth:
72 Inches

Period:
19th Century

Origin:
England/Ireland

Unrivaled in size and quality, this extraordinary antique mahogany partner's desk is simply the most spectacular we have ever seen. Exhibiting beautiful proportion, it measures over seven feet wide and six feet deep, and is crafted entirely of the finest Cuban mahogany. Its graceful serpentine shape is a triumph of exquisite Chippendale design, incorporating expertly carved molding and paneling on all sides, including the bottom interior. Generously equipped with drawers on one side and cabinets on the reverse, the desk is also outfitted with a hidden iron lockbox for storing the most important and valuable possessions. Fine bronze gilt hardware and the original tooled leather surface complete this magnificent creation. Exhibiting details that would only have been crafted by special order, this desk stands among the finest of Victorian furniture.

The lockbox is monogrammed and bears a brass label on the inside of the lid "BRAMAH & CO./124 Piccadilly, London"

Circa 1870

95 1/8" wide x 72" deep x 30 1/4" high

Partner's desks were very utilitarian and often quite striking pieces of furniture, perfect in large libraries, studies and offices. The partner's desk was so called because it was intended to seat business partners directly across from each other, with drawers and ample space on each side to accommodate daily work activities. These exceptional pieces of furniture were crafted by the most talented cabinetmakers of their time and were made to stand in the middle of the room verses against a wall.

Mahogany became the preferred medium for fine English furniture beginning in the mid-18th century. It was prized for its hardness, stability and dynamic grain configuration. Cabinetmakers found mahogany to be optimal for creating a variety of pieces and, due to its inherent qualities, the wood displayed unrivaled brilliance, whether enriched with the highest level of carving and chasing or simplistically designed to allow the natural grain and color to speak for itself. In 1733, the removal of the import taxes on mahogany made the material easier to obtain and it soon replaced walnut as the most popular wood. However, it was still among the most expensive lumber of the period, a trend that continued well into the 19th century. This distinguished desk demonstrates the unwavering appeal for this attractive timber, from its impressive size to its sophisticated design, and beautifully illustrates why it will forever be connected with the zenith of English furniture craftsmanship.